Odor-blocking disposal bag

ABSTRACT

An odor-blocking disposal bag uses a drawstring tie or zip-top closure to provide an essentially airtight seal. The bag is provided in various opaque colors and prints. The bag is intended for a single use, and is provided as part of a quantity in a compact and easily-carried package. A fabric pouch with a hook-and-loop closure on the flap is also available for carrying a quantity of the bags, and provides improved sanitation and a degree of privacy for the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/950,250, filed Mar. 10, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to refuse disposal equipment and supplies, and in particular to an odor-blocking disposal bag. Many items of household trash, such as disposable diapers or feminine hygiene products, produce powerful, unpleasant odors. Various items have been developed in an effort to control these odors, such as diaper pails with tight-fitting lids, but each is inadequate in its own way. An odor-blocking disposal bag, with a zip-top or other tight-fitting closure of its own, would resolve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to an odor-blocking disposal bag. The bag includes a drawstring tie type or zip-top type closure which provides an essentially airtight seal. The bag is provided in various opaque colors and prints. The bag is intended for a single use, and is provided as part of a quantity in a compact and easily-carried package. A fabric pouch with a hook-and-loop closure on the flap is also available for carrying a quantity of the bags, and provides improved sanitation and a degree of privacy for the user.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the bag component of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the bag 10, and the closure 11.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pouch component of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the pouch 12, and the flap 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to an odor-blocking and/or odor-absorbing disposal bag. The bag 10 includes a drawstring tie or zip-top closure 11 which provides an essentially airtight seal. The bag 10 is provided in various sizes and opaque colors and prints; generically, the bag is decoratively printed with indicia and abstract or representative designs. The bag 10 is intended for a single use, and is provided as part of a quantity in a compact and easily-carried package. A fabric pouch 12 with a hook-and-loop closure on the securable flap 13 is also available for carrying a quantity of the bags 10, and provides a degree of privacy for the user.

The first exemplary embodiment comprises two components: a quantity of bags 10, and a pouch 12. The two components are available separately, or together in a single package, and are available in a variety of colors and prints. The bag 10 is flat and rectangular, with a closure 11, preferably a zip-top type closure, along the entire length of the upper edge. The bag 10 is provided in a quantity, such as twenty, in a box or similar package.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user removes a bag 10 from the pouch 12 or from the box, and opens the closure 11. The user may then place one or more items of refuse into the bag 10, seal the closure 11, and dispose of the bag 10 and its contents by placing the bag 10 in a waste receptacle.

The bag 10 is preferably manufactured from an opaque, durable, flexible, and essentially airtight material, such as plastic, preferably a biodegradable and eco-friendly plastic material. The closure 11 is preferably manufactured from a durable, flexible material, such as plastic or nylon. The pouch 12 and the flap 13 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable fabric which is easily cleaned, such as cotton twill or nylon.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. An odor blocking disposal bag comprising a bag; said bag having an essentially airtight closure; said bag being of opaque and essentially airtight material.
 2. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 1 wherein said bag is decoratively printed.
 3. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 1 wherein said bag is provided in quantity, and further comprising a pouch; said bag being configured for storage within said pouch.
 4. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 2 wherein said bag is provided in quantity, and further comprising a pouch; said bag being configured for storage within said pouch.
 5. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 3 wherein said pouch has a securable flap.
 6. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 4 wherein said pouch has a securable flap.
 7. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 1 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 8. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 1 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type.
 9. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 2 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 10. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 2 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type.
 11. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 3 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 12. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 3 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type.
 13. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 4 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 14. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 4 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type.
 15. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 5 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 16. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 5 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type.
 17. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 6 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 18. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 6 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type.
 19. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 7 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of zip-top type.
 20. The odor blocking disposal bag of claim 7 wherein said essentially airtight closure is of drawstring type. 